Headlight



April 17, 1934. G. A. M. LAMBLIN-PARENT HEADLIGHT Original Filed Feb, 17, 1930 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 A ril 17, 1934. s. A. M. LAMBLlN-PARENT ,5

HEADLIGHT Original Filed Feb. 17, 1930 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 QusigweA/Y law/4'12 @7622! April 1934- GA. M. LAMBLIN-PARENT 1,955,593

HEADLIGHT Original Filed Feb. 17, 1950 5 Sheets-Sheec s IgL/O v m 7 Gwszaya/i/yjamlhw afenf April 1934 G. A. M. LAMBLlN-PARENT 1,955,598

HEADLIGHT 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Original Filed Feb. 17, 1930 5215147611 [4222.5/2'72-fdf672f Ti934 5. M. LAMBUN-PARENT 3,955,598

HEADLIGHT Original Filed Feb. 17, 1930 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented Apr. 17, '1934 HEADLIGHT Gustave A. M. Lambli n-Parent, Ronchin, near Lille, France, assignor, by mesne assignments,

to United States Hol poration of Delaware ding Corporation, a cor- Application February 17, 1930, Serial No. 428,876 Renewed November 2, 1933 12 Claims.

This invention relates to headlights and particularly to improvements in optical characteristics and arrangements of lenses and of the construction of headlights for the elimination of glare and dazzle.

This application is filed as a continuation in part of my prior applications, Serial No. 380,281, filed July 23, 1929, and Serial No. 414,749, filed December 17, 1929.

Application Serial No. 380,231 discloses a headlight for motor vehicles which prevents the for mation of stray or dazzling rays in the beam of the headlight and includes an arrangement in which part of the rays of the issuing beam diverge below the horizontal to light parts of the road adjacent the vehicle and without producing a glaring effect on drivers of approaching vehicles. Such application discloses also means for indicating positions of the vehicle.

My other application Serial No. 414,749 is directed more particularly to improvements in the optical characteristics of the headlight'and modified Fresnel lens disclosed in the first mentioned application and the optical system whereby the concentrated portion of the beam is brought into its most useful position and whereby divergent parts of the beam are improved in intensity and uniformity of spread.

The present invention relates to headlights wherein all of the rays are directed downwardly below the optical axis-of the modified Fresnel lens and diffused in various light zones in front of the headlight without the projection of horizontal rays to cause a glare or dazzle.

The theory on which the present invention is based includes the concentration and direction of horizontally parallel rays emanating from' the upper half of the modified Fresnel lens as shown in my other applications to project the 4 same downwardly and forwardly of the headlight in a beam of maximum intensity, and the direction of the rays of the lower half in a downward direction at an angle less acute than those of the rays from the upper half so that the beam from the upper half thus becomes superimposed on the beam from the lower half and forms a zone of high intensity, and with certain of the rays from the lower half combining with some of the rays from the upper half to provide a zone of intensity only slightly less than that of the zone first mentioned. Some of the rays from the lower half are spread laterally to provide light zones at the sides of the headlight of less intensity than other zones.

An object of the present invention is to provide a construction of headlight wherein glare and dazzle are eliminated.

A further object of the invention is to provide improved headlights wherein the light beams are concentrated and directed into most useful posi tions below the horizontal axis of the headlight wherein the full intensity of the light beams is secured without sacrifice of any of the beneficial effects of the same.

A further object of the invention is to provide a mounting whereby a condenser lens may be installed in any familiar type of headlight for the concentration and direction of the light rays in a manner unobjectionable to approaching vehicles.

A still further object of the invention is to pro vide a mounting for headlight lenses wherein the lenses are securely supported and yet firmly held in position without danger of damage to the lenses.

A yet further object of the invention is the provision of the combination of a condensing lens and a modified Fresnel lens in such manner as to produce a strong, brilliant light beam which is concentrated and directed in such manner as to give maximum light in the proper zones without objectionable glare and dazzle.

Another object of the invention is to provide a mounting for headlight lenses in supporting rings in a resilient manner whereby the lenses may be firmly supported inposition without danger of breakage in service becausev of such firm support.

The invention contemplates the use of a flat gold paint on the interior of a headlight for decreasing glare. The interior of the headlight is not polished when such paint is used. The paint found satisfactory for this purpose is a mat of yellow gold color and a fiat base.

The above, other, and further objects of the invention will be apparent from the following description, accompanying drawings and appended claims.

Embodiments of variousaspects of the inven tion are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and the views thereof are as follows:

Figure 1 is a vertical central sectional view taken through a headlight constructed in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 2 is a fragmentary sectional view through the modified Fresnel lens which may be employed in the present invention.

Figure 3 is a rear face view of the modified Fresnel lens employed in the present invention.

Figure 4 is a fragmental detail sectional view showing one means for fastening together the headlight casing.

Figure 5 is a top plan view of a tripod mounting for the condenser lens and lamps.

Figure 6 is a sectional view of the modified Fresnel-lens and a condenser lens in the. preferred form of optional system of the present invention, showing in somewhat exaggerated form the direction of the light rays from the upper half of the modified Fresnel lens.

Figure 7 represents a dia'grammatical front view of the beam projected from a headlight of the present invention and showing zones of various light intensity, and represents the disposition of light rays in the beam.

Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 7 showing the appearance of the beam'when the light source is at the focal region of the upper lens half as shown in my application, Serial No. 414,749.

- Figure 9 is a vertical central sectional view taken through a headlight of modified construction.

Figure 10 is a plan view partly in section taken directly underneath the lower part of Figure 9, showing passages for the wires to the lamp.

Figure 11 is a vertical central sectional view taken through a parabolic lamp or headlight and equipped with the lens arrangement of the present invention. A

Figure 12 is a fragmental sectional view of one means of supporting the modified Fresnel lens in the headlight ring. 4

Figure 13 is a fragmental elevational view of a spring strip employed for supporting the lens in the ring in the manner illustrated in Figure 12.

Figure 14 is a view similar to Figure 12 employing the ring of Figure 13 with parts arranged in a slightly different manner.

Figure 15 is the front elevational face of the modified Fresnel lens having flutes on the outer surface thereof extending from the lower margin and terminating approximately at the horizontal axis of the lens.

Figure 16 is a fragmentary vertical perspective view of the inner surface of a modified Fresnel lens which may be employed in the present invention. s

Figure 17 is a view similar to Figure 15 showing the flutes extending from the bottom to the top of the outer surface of the lens.

Figure 18 is a view showing flutes extending upwardly from the horizontal axis of the lens, together with the flutes on a portion of the bullseye portion thereof.

The drawings will now be explained.

The headlight illustrated in Figure 1 includes a casing comprising two portions of cast aluminum or other metal, a front portion A and a rear portion B, the headlight being illustrated as of general ellipsoidal form, although, of course, it may be of any form desired.

The front section A has an underlying annular shoulder 1 for supporting the adjacent margins of the rear section B of the headlight. The shoulder 1, of course, extends peripherally about the inner margin of the front section A, thus supporting the rear section B throughout.

The sections A and B are removably fastened together by means of suitable devices such, for instance, as illustrated 111 Figure 4, where a thumb screw 2 has its threaded shank passing through openings in the rear section B and threaded into a suitably disposed hole in the front section A. Concave washers 3 may, if desired, be utilized between the heads of the thumb screws 2 and the casing to increase the frictional engagement of the thumb screws with the threaded portions of the front section A for preventing accidental loosening of the screws. The rear section B is removed by loosening the screws 2, whereupon it may be readily detached.

An angularly disposed bracket C, made prefer ably as a casting, supports the lamps D and D. In the illustrated form of the invention the bracket has a tripod support comprising three lugs 4 disposed to fit against correspondingly arranged lugs 5 cast at the upper portion of the front section A and-at the lower portion of said front section, which lugs are apertured with the lugs 5 threaded to receive attaching bolts 6 for fastening the bracket to the casing A-.

Washers 7 are interposed between the heads of the bolts 6 and the adjacent faces of the lugs 4.

The bracket C is illustrated in Figure 1 as secured to the upper portion of the front section A of the lamp casing, although, if desired, it might be secured to the lower portion in upside down position.-

The bracket C is provided with a rearwardly extending centrally disposed clamp ring 8 with flanking rings 9, one on each side of and slightly forwardly of the ring 8. The rings receive and support lamp sockets 10. The rings 8 and 9 are cut and have spaced ears 11 and 12, respectively,

which ears overlie portions of the bracket. The

ears and the underlying portions of the bracketv are apertured with the bracket portions threaded to receive screws for clamping the rings against the lamp sockets 10. v

The lamp sockets 10 are provided with binding posts 13 for making electrical connection with the lamps orbulbs D and D' which serve as thesources of light in the headlight.

The lamp D in the central rng 8 may be used for ordinary'driving purposes, 'while the lamps D" in the side rings 9 may be used when illumination of less brilliancy is desired for'c ty driving or when meeting approaching vehicles. while, if desired. all three lights may be utilized at the same I time, at the will of the operator. The side lights may be eliminated if desired, in which event the side rings 9 of the' bracket C would-be eliminated, leaving the central ring 8 as the sole lamp support of the bracket.

Thebracket-C has a central flange 14 to which are attached spaced arms 15 which straddle the bracket and are fastened thereto by a rivet or similar attaching means 16. The arms 15 carry a ring 17 which supports a condensing lens E. A set-screw 18 may be arranged in the arms 15 for angularly adjusting the ring 17 and its supported lens E about the rivet 16 with respect to the lamp D. Y

The forward or front margin of the front section A receives the modified Fresnel lens F having an outer flange 19 which is retained against a bead 20 of the front section A by a gasket 21 of resilient material, such as rubber, which gasket is provided with a hole for the reception of a stiffening wire 22, the gasket 21 and its stiffening wre being made in circular form to bear against the inner surface of the flange 19 for retaining the lens F in the front section A of the lens casing.

A spring 23 may be utilized to aid in supporting the lens F in the casng A. Such spring 23 is illustrated as fastened between a front lug 4 and the corresponding lug 5 of the bracket C and front casing section A respectively. The spring 23 bears against the margin 19 of the lens F and also against the gasket 21.

Another gasket 24 of resilient material, such as rubber, is interposed between the front face of the flange 19 and the bead of the front section A. It will be observed, therefore, that the lens F is-securely supported in the front section A in such manner as to be held against displacement and also, by provision of the .rubber gasket, is prevented from breakage, due to the motion imparted to the headlight when in use on a vehicle.

The flange 19 is notched at the top at 25 for receiving the spring finger 23, thus preventing displacement of the lens F circumferentially.

The front face of the lens F'is spherical, while the plane of the flange 19 is flat. The lens F is arranged in the headlight, with the rear face defined by the flange 19 as be'ng in truly vertical position with respect to the horizontal axis of the lens. The condenser lens E has a fiat rear face and a spherical front face.

The condenser E is disposed with its flat face tilted at an angle to the horizontal axis of the lens F and with its focus above the hor'zontal axis of said lens and positioned to the rear of the light source for instance at e (Fig. 6).

The lamp or bulb D is disposed beyond the focal region H of the upper-half of the lens F in a direction away from such lens.

The arrangement of the condenser t'lted at an angle to the horizontal axis of lens F, and the placing of the lamp or bulb D beyond the focal region of the upper half of the lens F, results in rays or light beams issuing from the lens F in the manner indicated in Figure 6, i. e., with the rays from the upper half d'rected downwardly below the horizontal axis of the lens at an angle, and with the rays from the lower half projecting forwardly substantially parallel to or diverging very slightly from the horizontal axis of the lens F.

The downward direction of the rays emanating from the upper half of the lens is exaggerated in Fgure 6 for the purpose of illustration. These rays as a matter of fact extend downwardly below the horizontal axis of the lens, striking the ground at a greater distance from the lens than is represented in Figure 6. However, these rays extend downwardly at such an angle that there is no glare or dazzle whatsoever apparent to anyone standing on the ground and facing a headlight embodying this invention.

A reflector G is illustrated in Figure 6, but the matter of the reflector is one of choice, as the headlight of this invention will produce light rays of sufficient intensity and brilliancy without a reflector, to adequately illuminate the roadway and the territory bordering along the sides thereof.

A spherical reflector O is shown behind the lamp D in Figure 9 while the rear 'of the lamp D in Figure 11 is silvered at P for reflectng purposes. The lamp D selected for use may be silvered or not as circumstances warrant, and. if not silvered a reflector such as 0 may be used if desired.

Whenever a reflector G or 0 is used, its characteristics combine wth the characteristics of the lenses E and F in producing the light rays.

The preferred form of modified Fresnel lens found most satisfactory is that illustrated in Figures 3, 6 and 15.

The optional characteristics of the lens F includea spherical front face and on the upper half of its rear face a series of substantially semicircular refracting zones 26 of different curvatures outwardly and radially of the lens. Another series of substantially semi-circular refractingv zones 27 of different formation are formed on the lower half, and a centrally disposed bullseye 28 is provided. As explained more fully in my co-pending application Serial No. 414,749, the zones of the upper half may be of increasing radii as the outer edge of the lens is approached and the zones of the lower half may be of decreasing radii as the edge of the lens is approached.

The refracting zones 26 and 27 are separated along the lines of abrupt shoulders 29, also the upper half of the bullseye 28 is separated from the lower half of the bullseye by abrupt shoulders 30. The shoulders 30 and 29 extend substantially horizontally and diametrically of the lens across the zones thereof and also across the bullseye. The inner corners 31 of the retracting zones of the lower half of the lens are continuous with the inner corners of the respective zones of the upper half of the lens, so that the separating shoulders merge with the surfaces at the inner corners.

The shoulders increase in width beginning at the merging corners and increase across the respective zones toward the outer edges thereof following the increase in thickness of the lower zones radially of the lens over the upper zones, the shoulders thus formed being substantially triangular in shape and. as before stated, being substantially horizontally disposed. The shoulders 30 on the bullseye merge with thesurface near the center of the bullseye and increase in width toward the outer edge following the increase in thickness of the lower half of the bullseye toward its outer edge. From this construction it will be seen that the refracting zones of the upper half of the lens differ in curvature from the zones of the lower half. I

The refracting zones 26 of the upper half of the modified Fresnel lens. as well as the upper half of the bullseye 28, have a common focal region at H and are of such curvature as to project into downwardly directed rays, light originating at the light source D located behind such focal region.

The refracting zones 27 of the lower half of the modified Fresnel lens, as well as the lower half of the bullseye, have a common focal region at K, which is disposed farther from the lens F than the focal region H. The refracting zones 27 of the lower half and the lower half of the bullseye are of such shape as to project, withslight divergence from the horizontal axis, the rays originating at the light source located in front of the focal region K.

'I'he'maximum divergence of the lowest ray emanating from the lower half of the lens may be approximately two and one-half degrees from the horizontal axis of the lens.

The light source or lamp D is positioned away from the principal focal region H of the upper half of the lens and is also away from the focus 6 of the condenser E, which, as before stated, is above the horizontal axis of the lens F.

The arranging of the lenses in the manner stated and the disposition of the bulb or light source out of the principal foci of the lenses E and F results in projecting the light originating at such source downwardly from the upper half of the lens F in the manner indicated in Figure 6 and forwardly from the lower half of the lens, so that all of the light rays emanating from such lens project below the horizontal axis of the lens, thus eliminating glare and dazzle of a headlight equipped with such arrangement.

The rays emanating from the outermost zone of the upper half strike the ground at a point nearer the lens than any rays emanating from other zones of said upper half, with the rays emanating from the lowest of said zones striking the ground at the greatest distance from the lens, these rays intersecting one another.

The lens illustrated in Figure 15 is provided on the lower half of the outer surface thereof and on opposite sides of the bullseye with a series of. vertically disposed, partially cylindrical flutes 102,

which laterally spread the light rays passing through the same, i. e., which pass through the lower retracting zone of the lens on the opposite sides of the central lower portion of the same. Such flutes may be struck with equal radii on centers equally spaced angularly about a common point on the optical axis or may be otherwise formed to produce alateral divergence or diffusion of the area and extent as desired. 7

The lower half of the bullseye is provided with similar flutes 101 struck on the same or different radii from the flutes 102.

The resultant beams projected by a headlight constructed in accordance with this invention is illustrated somewhat diagrammatically in Figure '7, where there are shown four areas of light of various intensities.

The zone 32 is the zone. of greatest intensity, as this defines the light emanating from the upper half 'of the lens F in conjunction with the rays passing through the upper half of the bullseye.

The zone 33 is slightly less intense than the zone 32,-and this consists of some of the'rays emanatingfrom the upper half of the lens, together with rayspassing through the lower half of the bullseye.

The zone 34 is of less intensity than the zone 33 and consists of rays passing from the upper half of the lens directed downwardly in conjunction with some of the rays issuing from the lower half of the lens through the portion thereof which is not fluted.

The marginal portions 35 are zones'of least intensity and are diffused by the passage of the rays through the flutes 102.

The light from the zone 32 is projected forwardly and downwardly onto the groundin advance of the vehicle on which the headlight is carried.

Figure 8, which as will be seen by comparison, corresponds to Figure 13 of my co-pending application Serial No. 414,749 illustrates a resultant beam where the condenser E is omitted and where the light source is at the focal region of the upper half of lens F, and indicates that the the condenser E is employed and the light source placed behind such focal region as in Figure, 6.-

The effect of the condenser is to fold over the light passing through the upper portion of the lens and add it to that portion passing through the bullseye at or about the horizontal axis of the lens. k

It will be observed that all of the rays emanating from the upper half of the lens enter into the formation of the zone of greatest intensity, i. e., the zone 32 for brilliant illumination where needed, and that the rays emanating from other portions of the lens are of less intensity, decreasing toward the margins of the lighted area, be'rig spread by the flutes on the lens. The spread obtained by the fluted sections added to that obtained in the central portion of the lower lens may give to the lower section of the beam a total spread of as much as if desired, depending,

of course, on the curvature of the flutes. This.

spread is adequate for efficiently lighting the roadway and the sides of the' roadway.

The arrangement of the condenser E tilted with its upper end or top inclined forwardly away from the light source and with its optical axis at an acute angle to the optical axis of the lens F, also condenses the light passing through the lens below the upper zones to increase the intensity of the lower portions of the light beams.

It will be understood that with the light source behind the focal region H of the upper lens half as illustrated in Figure 6, the effect of having the rays from the upper half ofthe lens bent downwardly will be obtained though the condenser E be omitted, since by placing the light source behind the focal region H the rays from the upper lens half will be caused to converge and extend downwardly below the same to mingle with or be superimposed on the rays from the lower lens half. a

The modified Fresnel lens may be provided with flutes extending from the top to the-bottom of the same and on each side of the bullseye portion thereof, as illustrated in Figure 1'7, which flutes will cause divergence of the beams issuing through the entire lens.

Figure 17 illustrates the use, if desired of a plurality ofsmall vertical flutes 102 on the midportion of the bullseye.

Another form of lens is that illustrated in Figure 18, wherein the flutes are provided above the horizontal axis of the lens on each side of the bullseye and with the upper portion of the bullseye fluted, for spreading the rays emanating from the upper half of the lens. Such arrangement spreads the rays issuing from the upper half of the lens without affecting the brilliancy of the same in any degree whatsoever.

The various zones are arranged so as to cause the light rays projected through the same to cross one another with equal degrees of spread for the various zones, in order to secure uniform denser E at about the angle illustrated in the drawings, i. e., from about 5 to about 15, produced the best results.

Figure 9 illustrates a-modified form of headlight and consists of a ring 36 of aluminum or other suitable light metal, a front section 37 and a rear section 38. The headlight illustrated in The upper portion of the ring 36 is provided with a notch 39 for receiving the inturned ends of plates 40 and 41 welded, riveted or otherwise secured to the meeting edges of the front section 3'7 and the rear section 38 for locking the sections together at the top. The inturned ends wedge into the notch, retaining the upper portions of the sections secured to the ring 36, while the lower ends of the sections are fastened by bolts 42 and 43 to a lug member 44 fastened to the underside of the ring 36 and embracing the spindle 38. The lug 44 may be provided with a concave surface 45 for co-operating with a vertical member 46 if it is desired to swing the head light about the spindle 38 as an axis.

A lamp bracket such as that designated at C with respect to Figure 1 may be secured to the ring 36, or, if desired, a bracket with but one lamp supporting ring may be secured.

Figure 9 illustrates a bracket L of substantially the same general form as the bracket C, except that there are no marginal rings 9, or lugs 4 the bracket L otherwise being the same as the bracket C.

The condenser E is supported in a ring 17 fastened to the web of the bracket L in the manner described with respect to Figure 1, and is maintained at an inclined angle as before. The front section 37 has a lens opening defined by an inturned bead 47.

The modified Fresnel lens F is supported in the opening of the front section 37 by means of a ring 48 which has a front wall 49 terminating in a hook 50 and a rear wall 51 spaced from the front wall 49. The ring is not continuous'but has spaced ends, each provided with an ear 52 which is apertured at 53 to receive a'screw or similar fastening means.

The flange 54 of the lens F is mounted in the ring and is protected against jar by a ring 54 of resilient material, such as rubber, interposed between the front face of the flange and the front wall 49 and hook 50 of the ring. A similar rubber ring 55 is interposed between the rear faces of the flange 54 and the inner wall 51 of the retaining ring.

The lens F is arranged within the ring 48 then the rubber gaskets 54 and 55 are inserted as described, and then the ears 52 are brought together and fastened by a bolt passing through the same. The lens, therefore, is supported in the ring 48 firmly in such manner as to prevent breakage when in service.

The lens F and its supporting ring are secured to the bead 47 of the front section 37 at the time the ring 48 is tightened. The hook 50 of the ring 48 is engaged underneath the bead 47 of the front section 37, and, when the bolt. passing through the ears 52 is tightened, the hook 50 of the ring 48 is tightened against the bead 4'7, se-

curely locking the lens F in position in the lamp casing.

Pieces of resilient material. such as rubber, may be inserted between the plates 40 and 41 and the upper portion of the ring 36 if it should be desired to provide resilient support for the lamp casing at such place.

The front and back sections 37 and 38 may be fastened together as heretofore described, or, if desired. the margin of the back section may be caused to overlap the adjacent margin of the front section 37, and the parts fastened together in any suitable manner, such,-for instance, by the thumb screws as illustrated in Figure 4.

Figure 10 illustrates a plate'or part of the lamp support 56 which is below the lower part of the member 46 of Figure 9 and which is provided with holes 57 through which may pass the electric conductors to the lamp or bulb D.

The structures heretofore described ,refer to form.

It sometimes happens that occasion arises where it is desired to install the optical lens arrangement of this invention in a casing of parabolic form or a form other than the ellipsoidal form heretofore discussed or in headlights already in use.

Figure 11 illustrates a headlight having a casing 58 which, in the present instance, has a swivel mounting on a support 59.

The parabolic reflector usually employed in such headlights has been removed, and a special fitting or bracket installed in its place to support the condenser E and the source of light or bulb D. The lens F has been supplied in place of the usual lens commonly employed with parabolic reflectors of well-known character.

Parabolic casings of the character here under discussion are usually provided with a flange 60 to which is attached the reflectors which must be removed when equipping such headlight with the lens F and condenser of this invention. The reflector being removed, a bracket M is hinged to the flange 60 in the following manner:

Straps 61 are attached by rivets or similar attaching means 62 to the flange 60 at the top of the headlight. The straps 61 support a pin 63 to which is pivoted the bracket M. The bracket Mis supported by the pivot pin 63 at its upper end and by a screw 64 passing through the exterior of the lamp casing 58 in the position usually occupied by the adjusting screw for the parabolic reflector.

The bracket M, as before stated, supports the condenser E and the source of light or lamp D. The lens F is received in a ring 65 which ring is provided with an inturned bead 66.

A rubber gasket 67 is placed within the ring 65, then the lens F is placed against the gasket with the flange 68 of the lens resting against the rub ber gasket.

The upper portion of the headlight casing 58 adjacent the flange 60 is provided with a shoulder 69 for abutting the rear surface of the. flange 68 of the lens F and for pressing the flange against the rubber gasket 67, when the ring 65 is applied to the casing 58. The stop 69 may have a forwardly extending portion for entering the notch 25 in the flange of the lens to prevent circumferential displacement of the lens.

A clip 70 is secured to the casing 58 near the lower margin thereof and is provided with a rubber lug 71 for abutting the rear of the flange 68 of the lens F.

An ear 72 is riveted to the lamp support near the bottom of the casing 58, while a similar ear 73 is secured to the ring 65 at the bottom. The ears 72 and 73 are apertured for receiving a bolt 74 to draw them together and lock the ring 65 and its supported lens F in position on the lamp casing 58. Tightening of the bolt 74 compresses the rubber block '71 of the lug 70 and likewise compresses the rubber gasket 67 between the lens flange and the ring 65, so that the lens is firmly and securely supported in the ring, and, at the same time, protected against breakage by reason of jolting movement of the headlight received in service.

When it is desired to have access to the interior of the lamp casing 58, the bolt 74 is removed. the ears 72 and 73 moved outwardly, and the ring 65 lifted off of the casing 58, whereupon the screw 64 may be removed from the bracket M and the bracket swung forwardly on its pivot 63 for replacement of the lamp D or the cleaning or replacement of the condenser E.

- the fingers 88 have been bent up to bear against the inner surface of the flange 86, so that the The condenser E is retained between two rings and '76 which are fastened together by a bolt 7'7 at the bottom and bolts '78 and 79 at the top. The bolts '78 and 79 extend through a slot 111. in a portion of the bracket M so that the condenser E may be moved vertically for properly positioning it in the optical system in order to cooperate with the source of light D and the lens F to produce rays of light as described with respect to Figure l and as illustrated in Figure 6. The bracket M is so shaped where it receives the condenser E as to maintain it at proper angle with respect to the horizontal optical axis of the lens F, so as to bring the light source D behind the focal region of the upper half of the lens Fan below the focus e of the condenser E.

It will be very readily observed that any parabolic casing may be adapted to receive the lenses of the present invention in the manner above stated, i. e., by removing the usual front lens and substituting the lens F by removing the parabolic reflector and installing the bracket M and its supported condenser E, whereupon by assembly of the parts in the manner heretofore described, the headlight is provided with brilliant and intensive rays without producing any dazzle or glare.

Figures 12, 13 and 14 illustrate means for securing the lens F, or other lens for that matter,

in a headlight ring in such manner as to insure an absolutely tight closure to prevent ingress of water and dirt.

Figure 12 illustrates a headlight ring 80 which is, cooperatively associated witha headlight in a manner to be removable to allow access to the interior of the headlight or for replacement of the lens in the event of breakage. 1 The ring 80 is curved in cross section and is provided with an outer bead 81 and an inner head 82. A spring ring 83, which in section is somewhat Z-shaped, is provided witha margin 84 for engaging the inner head 82 of the ring 80 and a bearing surface85 for receiving the flange 86 of the lens. Fingers 8'7 are struck at intervals from the spring ring 83 and lie against the inner surface of the ring 80 when the parts are assembled. Other flngers 88 are struck from the opposite side of the spring ring 83 for'bending against the inner face of the flange 86 of the lens.

The lens is assembled in the ring 80 by placing the lens in the spring ring 83 and then inserting a ring 89 of plastic material,;such as rubber, against the front ,of the flange 86 and on top of the portion 85 of the spring ring and then inserting it in the lamp ring 80 by inserting the rubber ring'89 underthe outer bead 81 and forcing the inner margin 84 of the spring ring 83 under the rear bead 82 of the ring 80. This is done after flange is retained between the fingers 88 and the resilient rubber ring 89. The fingers 87 extend outwardly, as shown in Figure 12, and engage against the inner surface of the ring 80 for applying pressure against the periphery of the flange 86 of the lens for maintaining/the same in proper position in the headlight. It will be observed that the edge of the portion 85 of the spring ring 83 stops short of the ring 80. The ring 80 is applied to. a headlight by inserting the ring over the headlight and pushing against the usual abutment on such headlight, in which event the abutment contacts the flngers 88 and movement of the lens 86 toward the outer bead 81 of the ring 80 takes place because of compression of the rubber gasket or ring 89. This also moves the spring ring 83 laterally of the ring 80. The pressure of the ring 80 against the abutment of the headlight ceases when the ring 80 has been properly seated, in which event the rubber gasket 89 will tend to expand, moving the spring ring 83 against the inner bead 82 of .thering 80, thus locking the parts firmly in position and at the same time supporting the flange'86 'of the lens by means of therubber gasket or ring 89, so that a weatherand dirt-tight joint results, and also the lens is supported in a manner to prevent breakage in service.

Figure 14 illustrates a similar spring ring which is flat instead of Z-shaped, as illustrated in Figure 12.

The spring ring 90 of the form illustrated in Figure 14 is provided with the outwardly directed spring fingers 91 and the inwardly extending flngers 92 for hearing against the flange 93 of the lens. The headlight ring 94 has an outer bead 95 and an inner bead 96. A rubber gasket or ring 97 is interposed between the ring 94 and the flange 93 when the same is received in the spring ring 90, and the action of applying the ring 94 to the headlight is the same as described with respect to the form illustrated in Figure 12.

Figure 13 shows a fragmental portion of a spring ring 90 as it is made in the form of a strip and later bent into circular form. It will be observed that the fingers 91 are struck at intervals in the length of the spring ring 90 and that the other fingers 92 are struck and are bent in oppositedirections, thus making the construction of the spring rings 90 and 83 inexpensive and. at the same time suflicient for the purposes I intended.

The lens illustrated in Figure 17 has lateral flutes 103 arranged on each side of the bullseye 98 and extending vertically. There may be as many or as few of these flutes as desired for accomplishing the purposes intended, and also the radii of the flutes may be as desired.

The lens illustrated in Figure 18 is provided with flutes 99 arranged on each side of the bullseye, which flutes extend upwardly from approxi- 4 mately the horizontal axis of the lens. A plu-' rality of flutes 100 are formed on the upper half of the bullseye. There may be as many or as few of these flutes as desired, and also .the radii of the same may be varied as occasion demands.

Advantages of the present invention as to the direction of the lightrays reside in part in the use of a condensing lens in connection with the modified Fresnel lens and the shifting of the focal distance back of the focal region of the upper section of. the lens, i. e., installing. the source of light back of this focal region, the result being that the lower half of the lens acts to create substantially horizontal rays and the upper half directs the rays downwardly below the horizontal axis of the lens thus eliminating glare or dazzle and at the same time utilizing-the full intensity of the beam for illumination of the road in front of the headlight. The invention has been described herein more or less precisely as to details, yet it is'to be understood that the invention is not to be limited thereby, as changes may be made in the arrangement and proportion of parts and equivalents may be substituted without-departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Whilethis application discloses subject-matter in common with my before mentioned co-pending applications, the claims in this application are directed generally to the subject-matter including the construction and arrangement whereby the condenser is disposed with its focus above the axis of the modified Fresnel lens; whereby the light source is located beyond the focal region of the upper lens half, or between the focal regions of the lens halves; and whereby some of the flutings extend on portions of the bullseye of the lens, the claims in this application including subject-matter not claimed in my other co-pending applications.

The invention is claimed as follows:

1. A light projector including in combination, a modified Fresnel lens provided with zones on its upper and lower halves of different refractive power, a source of light beyond the focal region of the zones on the upper lens half, and a condenser interposed between said lens and said source of light, said condenser being tilted with respect to the horizontal axis of the lens to bring its focus above said axis, the zones on the upper half of the lens being of such curvature as to project downwardly rays from the light source.

2. In a light projector, in combination, a modified Fresnel lens having a spherical front face and on its rear face having circular stepped refracting zones and a centrally disposed bullseye, the zones and bullseye in the upper half of the lens having a common focal region, the zones and the bullseye in the lower half of the lens having a common focal region different from the first mentioned focal region, a light source arranged beyond the principal focal region of the upper half of the lens, and a condenser interposed between said source of light and said lens arranged with its principal axis at an angle to the axis of the lens.

3. In a light projector, a modified Fresnel lens having upper and lower sections each formed with refracting zones varying in curvature with respect to each other, and with respect to the other section, the zones of the upper section hav-- ing a focal region, a source of light beyond the focal region of said upper section, the zones of said upper section being of such curvature as to project light rays originating at said light source downwardly below the horizontal axis of the lens, and the lower section having a focal region different from the focal region of the upper zones, and being of such curvature as to project light rays originating at said light source divergent with respect to said horizontal axis. 4. In a light projector a modified Fresnel lens divided into an upper half and a lower half, the upper half being formed with refracting steps differing in curvature with respect to each other, the lower half of the lens being formed with refracting steps differing in curvature with respect to each other and to the steps of the upper half, each step of the lens being of substantially uni form refractive power, and a bullseye disposed centrally of the said Fresnel lens, the lens being formed with fiutings, some of said flutings extending on portions of said bullseye.

5. In a light projector in combination a modifled Fresnel lens having upper and lower sections, each formed with refracting zones varying in curvature, the upper section having a focal region different from that of the lower section, the

curvature of the zones of one section differing from the curvature of the zones of the other section, a source of light beyond the focal region of said upper section and a condensing lens interposed between said Fresnel lens and said source of light, the zones of said upper section being of such curvature as to project downwardly rays from the light source, and the zones of said lower section being of such curvature as to project with slight divergence from the horizontal axis, rays from the light source.

6. In a light projector, the combination of a modified Fresnel lens having upper and lower sections, each formed with refracting zones of varying curvatures, the upper section having a focal length different from that of the lower section, the curvature of the zones of one section differing from the curvature of the zones of the other section, a light source, and a condensing lens interposed between said Fresnel lens-and said light source, said condensing lens having a focus above the horizontal axis of said Fresnel lens.

'7. In a light projector, the combination of a modified Fresnel lens having upper and lower sections, each formed with refracting zones of different curvatures, the upper section having a focal length different from that of the lower section, the curvature of the zones of one section differing from the curvature of the zones of the other section. a condensing lens having a focal regionand a light source placed beyond one of the focal regions of the Fresnel lens and below the focal region of said condensing lens.

8. In a light projector, the combination of a modified Fresnel lens having an upper and lower set of refracting zones, with the refracting zones of the upper set varying in curvature with respect to each other and with respect to the refracting zones of the lower set, a light source, and a condensing lens interposed between said Fresnel lens and said light source, said condensing lens being tilted with respect to the horizontal axis of said Fresnel lens whereby to fold over some of the light passing through a portion of the upper set of zones and add it to that portion passing through said Fresnel lens adjacent the horizontal axis thereof.

9. In a light projector, the combination of a lens having an upper-section formed with refracting zones of relatively different curvatures having a focal region, the lower section of the lens being formed with refracting zones different in curvature from those of the upper section and having a focal region, the focal region of the upper section of the lens being nearer the lens than the focal region of the lower section of the lens axially thereof, a condensing lens, and a light source beyond the condensing lens between the foci, whereby the light passing through the upper section of first said lens will increase the intensity of the light beam projected by the lower section of the same.

10. A light projector comprising a modified Fresnel lens, the respective parts on opposite sides of the horizontal axial plane having different foci, each part having steps of curvature varying with respect to each other and with respect to the steps of the other part, and a light source in the region between the foci, the upper part adapted to project light rays downwardly into the path of the light from the lower part, so as to intensify the light projected from the lower part.

11. In a light projector, a unitary lens having for its upper half a shorter. focal length than for its lower half, with their two focal regions spaced apart horizontally, said lens being provided with curved refracting zones, the curvature of the zones of each half varying among lower .section of the lens axially thereof, and a light source positioned between the foci, whereby the lower section of the lens will collect the forwardly divergent direct rays from the light source into a beam with a horizontal upper boundary line, and the upper section of the lens will superimpose the forwardly divergent direct rays from the light source onto the beam from the lower section of the lens.

GUSTAVE A. M. LAMBLIN-PARENT. 

